By Mary Gaudet-Wilson

The big golden retriever named Crockett greeted me in the driveway, wriggling, wagging and carrying a stuffed Pooh bear in his mouth.

If Al and Maureen Wilhelm had wanted a ferocious watchdog, they would have been disappointed. But what they wanted is what they got – a handsome and lovable companion dog that greatly resembles a previous family pet.

Al remembers reading The Newtown Bee one Friday afternoon and seeing Crockett’s picture in the Adopt Me column (at that time Crockett was called Gavin). Al was struck by his resemblance to a dog that they had lost two years ago. He went right to the Newtown Pound and filled out an application and then they waited apprehensively until word came that would begin a new chapter in their lives (and Crockett’s).

Maureen remembers the date that Crockett was brought home from the pound. It was May 27, their grandson’s ninth birthday. After spending only a few hours at his new home, Crockett rode to Plymouth to surprise the grandchildren who had been asking when Grandma and Grandpa would get a new dog. The children were thrilled to meet Crockett, and Crockett rose to the occasion beautifully.

In fact, Crockett’s adjustment to his new life (and new name) went very smoothly. Al and Maureen availed him of several basic training sessions which he enjoyed. But it is perhaps just his nature to be friendly and laid back that makes him so easy to have around. He hardly ever barks, loves to ride in the car, and is always amenable to whatever is going on. His one fetish is carrying around stuffed toys – sometimes toys that have been donated by the grandchildren.

A game that Al plays when the grandchildren come to visit is “night patrol.” As soon as darkness approaches, the grandchildren, armed with large flashlights, follow Crockett around, patrolling the two acres for deer, wild turkeys or whatever else, real or imagined, might be discovered.

Whatever Crockett’s story was of his previous life, only he knows. But it is very clear that he couldn’t be happier to have found the love and joy that Al and Maureen share with him. And he doesn’t mind one bit that he is Crockett the Second! 

– Mary Gaudet-Wilson is a member of Canine Advocates of Newtown, a volunteer group which supports the Newtown Pound with daily socialization of the dogs, neutering and spaying, and publicity for adoption.